Peace and War

“Sue for peace, not only to the people that have smitten you, but also to all people; And
lift up an ensign of peace, and make a proclamation of peace unto the ends of the
earth.” — D&C 105:38-39 Separation of Church and State

“They shall beat their swords into plow-shares, and their spears into pruning-hooks —nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” — 2Nephi 12:14

“Renounce war and proclaim peace.” — D&C 98:16

In his Bicentennial address, “The False Gods We Worship,” President Spencer W. Kimball scolded us, as a Church and as a nation, for being “a warlike people” and admonished us that “our assignment is preparing for the coming of the Lord .” As he clearly and unambiguously stated, we are under the condemnation of the Lord when we assume that the ways of the world are superior to the ways of the Lord: “we train a man in the art of war and call him a patriot, thus, in the manner of Satan’s counterfeit of true patriotism, perverting the Savior’s teaching: ‘Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.’”

“National Security – We believe that the U.S. has a special role to play in the world not only as the world’s only superpower, but as a leader in democracy and human rights. The U.S. should engage with its allies and with international organizations globally to advocate for American interests and accomplish our aims of a freer, more secure and prosperous world. The U.S. military is a critical institution that safeguards our security and freedoms and we honor and respect all who serve. The use of military force should only be used as an absolute last resort to address serious threats to American security and that of our allies, and to stop ethnic cleansing and genocide.” – Courtesy of mormondems.com

“Something I have found appalling of late is the Republican view of Veterans. The most offensive statement for me, an Iraq Veteran, was Mitt Romney lumping in military benefits as being part of the problem of “entitlement programs” during the campaign. The military is asked to go out and risk their lives, to be the representative of our great country, but they are paid a tuppance. During their first term of duty most military men and women do not make enough money to put them above the poverty line. Their health benefits are cheap or free, but certain types of care, such as Chiropractic, are labeled as pseudoscientific and disallowed, despite the high number of spinal problems arising from the demands of military service. Educational benefits afterward have improved with the Post 9/11 GI bill, which was approved by a Democratic majority in Congress and signed into law by President Obama in August of 2009. Despite this their is little to no help for veterans in adjusting to academic life, civilian life, or in finding jobs. Veterans, the people we ask to go risk their lives, are “welcomed” home, yet have some of the highest college dropout and unemployment rates of any group in the nation. Once a year or so I get a free dinner at a restaurant, and although I greatly appreciate it, I can’t help but notice that the restaurant has given me their ultra-budget options.” – Samuel R. from Logan

“In this day and age, the USA should not be involved in any world conflict alone. In this day and age, the USA should actively support the UN” – Hubbert S. from Sandy